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Local Life

Rumsonite Luann Hughes: Irish Soda Bread Champ

Rumsonite Luann Hughes’ winning Irish soda bread
Photo/courtesy of Luann Hughes

Erin go Luann. She did it. Longtime Rumsonite Luann Hughes won herself a place in Rumson baking history with her first-place win in the  2017 Irish Soda Bread Contest at Oceanic Free Library.

The Thursday contest has become an area tradition and one of many prequels to the Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Hughes, who hasn’t given up her ingredient secret, announced on Facebook her win and that she has become among the honorees who “get(s) to help carry the Rumson St. Patrick’s Day parade banner!!!”

She won third place last year. And in addition to the hometown baker prestige, not only did the first-place win this year come with the honor of toting the parade banner, but it also came with a festive four-leaf clover trophy.

Congrats, Luann Hughes! Will your secret ever be revealed?

News

Focus: Barnacle’s and the Gulls

Gallery

“Such a picture perfect spot, isn’t it?” a woman going to dinner at Barnacle Bill’s said Wednesday as dusk hit the banks of the Navesink River in Rumson. “Beautiful.”

She smiled, nodded and added, “We’re so lucky to have this …”

Yes, we are. The gulls flocked to the dock and little swath of beach at the spot. They seemed to be having a meeting.

All present. All savoring home.

Take a look … (Click to enlarge!)

— Elaine Van Develde

 

Local Life, Rumson Police and Fire Files

Rumson Police Chief to Plunge for Special Olympics

Rumson Police Chief Scott Paterson is taking the plunge again — The Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights.

And, once again, the chief’s dip into icy waters is all for the sake of  a good cause  — Special Olympics New Jersey.

No, it’s not Paterson’s first plunge. But, it was a first for his $15,000 fundraising goal.

And, with only a few days left, Paterson has surpassed his goal. As of today, he has raised $15,340 from 68 donors.

He is grateful; and there is still time to donate, as funds will be accepted until the day of the plunge.

“I want to thank each and everyone of you that helped me reach my goal of $15,000.00,” Chief Paterson said yesterday in a message on his fundraising page. “I sincerely appreciate your kindness and generosity and I promise to represent well …”

Learn more about Special Olympics by clicking here. To donate to the chief’s plunge for the olympics, click here.

Local Life

Focus: Fiery Sunset Over a Rumson Island

Gallery

“Don’t you make me pull this car over, Sun!”

Well, it made me and quite a few others do it. It was a traffic stopper again — the sunset from the Eventide docks in Sea Bright overlooking Rumson on Friday night.

And, to coin the singular of another saying, the exclamation for the traffic stopper could be summed up as one “great ball of fire!”

As the biblical origination of the phrase indicates, implying the presence of God (nature, or whatever being one believes in) as fire, it could also haven been seen as a religious environmental experience.

Blazing and ducking very quickly behind Gunning Island in Rumson, the sight of the sunset was blindingly beautiful — again.

Take a look …

— Elaine Van Develde

 

Police and Fire, Rumson Police and Fire Files

Rumson Police Report: Theft, DUI, Marijuana

The following January arrests were reported by Rumson police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

Arrests

 • Susan N. Ryerson, 62, of Oceanport, was arrested in the area of Rumson Road and Harding Lane on Jan. 28 and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and other motor vehicle offenses by Patrolman Grace Maggiulli.

• John F. Sullivan Jr. was arrested on Jan. 26 and charged with third-degree theft by Detective Sgt. Christopher Isherwood and Patrolman Cody Lovgren.

Sullivan was remanded to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, Freehold.

• Stephanie Koukounas, 27, of New York, was arrested in the area of Rumson Road and Buttonwood Lane on Jan. 26 and charged with possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana by Patrolman Michael Berger.

•  John P. Haskell, 27, of Texas, was arrested in the area of 74 Ridge Road on Jan. 21 and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and other motor vehicle offenses by Patrolman Richard Torres.

Contempt of Court

• S/O II Donald Morse arrested Brittany Maguire, 27, of Red Bank, was arrested on Jan. 21 on a contempt of court (COC) warrant by Special Officer II Donald Morse.

Maguire was released after posting $164 bail.

• John P. Kennedy, 57, of Rumson, was arrested on Jan. 10 on a contempt of court (COC) warrant by Patrolman Donald Schneider.

Kennedy was released after posting $500 bail.

Schools Scene

About RFH’s New Lacrosse Coach, Marc Moreau

Marc Moreau has been announced as the new Head Coach of Boys Lacrosse at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH).

“RFH is very excited about the addition of Marc Moreau and we know he will continue the incredible success our program has achieved,” RFH Athletic Director Chris Lanzalotto said. “We are confident he will have a very positive impact on our Lacrosse community and the RFH Athletic program.”

Continue reading About RFH’s New Lacrosse Coach, Marc Moreau →

Local Life

Focus: Black & Blue Branching Out by the River

Gallery

It was hauntingly comforting — the icy, howling wind and the stark hues of black and blue along the Navesink River in Fair Haven Wednesday at dusk.

The wind whistled, beckoned, and the air cut like jagged-edged glass.  It was a solitary, striking scene. Black branches jutting across a blue sky and seascape.

It was all so cold and clear-cut, yet still warm like a cup of cocoa. It’s home.

Take a look …

— Elaine Van Develde

Local Life

Retro RFH Basketball Court Cartwheel with Giff

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RFH teacher George Giffin does a cartwheel to cheer on the cheerleaders in the 1970s. Photo/RFH yearbook screenshot
RFH teacher George Giffin does a cartwheel to cheer on the cheerleaders in the 1970s.
Photo/RFH yearbook screenshot

With this howling chill in the air lately, people are pretty primed for the arrival of spring. In fact, you could say that they may even be doing cartwheels over it.

Well, in light of that excitement to spring into the warmer season, the Retro Pic of the Day gives a glimpse back to a beloved teacher who danced and, yes, did cartwheels over any exciting event — or just for plain old fun.

That teacher was George Giffin, otherwise referred to as Giff. He was a science teacher and was particularly famous for his ballroom dance class. And, boy, could the man dance!

The RFH community lost Giff on May 15, 2014; and, to ask just about any RFH grad or member of the community, it was a tremendous loss.

Last time this editor caught up with Mr. Giffin, he was grabbing some lunch at Fairwinds Deli. In his 80s, he was still dancing and actually launched into a little routine right there with a little cha-cha-cha and “When you get that beat, you gotta mooooove your feet!”

Who will dance or do a cartwheel when spring arrives in memory of Mr. Giffin? Oh, and send us your pics if you do!

Obituaries

Memorial Set for Rumson’s Addy Bennett

Many people in the Rumson area have fond memories of the talent, warm smile and demeanor of one of the borough’s most longtime residents — Adelaide Bennett.

Adelaide, known as Addy to friends and family, passed away at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, surrounded by her loving family, on Feb. 7. She was 95.

Continue reading Memorial Set for Rumson’s Addy Bennett →

Local Life

Retro RFH Snow & Ski

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RFH Ski Club of the 1970s with club director Hal Lorme on the slopes.
Photo/RFH yearbook

Well, the forecast is calling for a snow day soon … at the very least in the Rumson-Fair Haven area.

And, back in the 1970s, a snow day was prime time to hit the ski slopes.

So, the Retro Pic of the Day offers a glimpse back to the RFH Ski Club days.

This photo also brings RFHers back to a favorite coach who passed away not too long ago — Hal Lorme.

RIP, Mr. Lorme. Happy ski trails, all RFHers!